The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered investigations into the death of gospel musician Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, popularly known as Betty Bayo.
This new development follows concerns raised by the singer's family over the circumstances surrounding her death.
The DPP has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to carry out the probe and submit a report within seven days.
The decision follows a formal request by the singer’s mother, Joyce Wairimu, who wrote to the DPP on December 9 seeking an inquest into her daughter’s death.
The family questioned the autopsy process, access to medical records, and the speed at which the burial was conducted, saying these issues had left them with unresolved doubts.
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In a letter submitted on behalf of the family, their advocates outlined the basis of the request and the distress the family has endured since the death.
"We act for Joyce Wairimu Mbugua mother to Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua alias Betty Bayo, (deceased) and on whose firm instructions we wish to address you as hereunder.
"The family has had to go through unbearable pain in accepting the fact that the deceased, who had never exhibited any illness would just die mysteriously," the letter read.
The advocates further detailed the family’s suspicions, citing what they described as critical irregularities before and after the singer’s death.
They said the family believes there may have been foul play and listed several grounds that informed this belief.
"The family suspects an evil hand in the death of the deceased based on the following primary grounds; the deceased did not have a history of any underlying condition; the deceased family was denied an autopsy report; the deceased was hurriedly buried to conceal some facts that may have led to her death; and the family was denied medical records and information of what the deceased was being treated for," the letter added.
The lawyers asked the DPP to intervene and ensure an independent inquiry is conducted to establish the true cause of death.
"The family thus express their utmost disdain, and thus demands for you to hereby direct the Inspector general to urgently move with speed and, institute an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, alias Betty Bayo," the letter further read.
Bayo passed away on Monday, November 10, reportedly after a battle with leukemia at an advanced stage at Kenyatta National Hospital at 1:03 pm.
Speaking to the press, a representative confirmed the tragic news, revealing that Bayo had been battling cancer and was suffering from excessive bleeding.
"I want to tell the members of the public that today, at 1:03 pm, we have lost a survivor, Betty Bayo. Betty has been at work since last week, and she was diagnosed with acute mild cancer. She was suffering from excessive bleeding. The doctors tried to do their best," the spokesperson said.
Bayo was transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday, November 7, where medical personnel worked tirelessly to save her life.
Her body has been moved from Kenyatta National Hospital to KU Referral Hospital, with further communication to be issued later.
"We are planning to move her body from Kenyatta National Hospital to KU Referral Hospital. All the other communications and briefs will come later. May the life of our dear friend rest in peace and fare thee well. We loved you, but God loved you more," the spokesperson added.
